Former mayor Stephen Holmes quits Dacorum Borough Council

The shock announcement revealed that the 60-year-old has stepped down and his duties are being looked after by the leader of Dacorum Borough Council Andrew Williams. A council spokesman said: “A letter of resignation was received from Councillor Holmes on May 9. That letter gave no reason for resignation.”

Mr Holmes was the portfolio holder for planning and regeneration on the council’s cabinet. His replacement will be organised at the council’s annual meeting on Wednesday. A by-election to vote in a new councillor will be held within the next 35 working days.

He has been a borough councillor since 2003 and a county councillor since 2005.